Upper Kananaskis Lake - a quick summary!
Upper Kananaskis Lake is a man-made reservoir now, but it used to be a natural lake within Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country in Alberta, Canada. Upper Kananaskis Lake is a mountain lake created by a dam on the Kananaskis Rive, along with the Lower Kananaskis Lake, whish is in a very close proximity. The Upper Kananaskis Lake is used to produce electricity as well as to control flood water and water reserves for the inhabitants of the City of Calgary. This however does not mean that the lake is off limits for hikers or cross-country skiers.
For hikers, the area offers quite a bit. There are a number of hikes, each with a different level of difficulty among which the most hiked ones are the Upper Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit, Aster Lake Route, Maude-Lawson Trail, Mount Indefatigable Trail, Three Isle Lake Trail, Rawson Lake Trail, Northover Ridge Route, Elk Pass Trail, Three Isle Lake Trail and Rawson Lake Trail. The hike around the lake is over 15 km however despite the length the upside of it is that the elevation gain is minimal which makes it suitable for those with various endurance and strength to complete the hike.
As you can tell by the large number of mountains and peaks where the trails run, you will find yourself in the midst of a panorama that makes for a one-of-a-kind hiking experience. If you love the winter season and enjoy cross-country skiing, then the area is very suitable to partake in that activity.
For those who prefer to camp, the Point Backcountry Campground is a great area. If you are lucky enough, you can find a camping spot by the lake where you get the full view of it as well as the surrounding mountains. There are plenty picnic tables for you to use for your meals and just enjoy your time there with family and friends. Make sure that you book ahead of time as it is quite a popular space and the spots are taken up quite quickly.
In additional, there is an option to launch your motorized boat by the day use area or if you prefer non-motorized means then you can canoe and kayak however you have to be really aware of the fact that the area is exposed to strong winds and the water in the lake is cold year round. The Upper Kananaskis Lake is recommended for those who have significant experience and can adjust the the sudden weather changes while on the lake. For those who have less experience, the Lower Kananaskis Lake is much more appropriate and suitable as the wind is not that strong. That way you can enjoy the paddle without having to worry too much about the wind.
For fishing aficionados, there is Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout. You do however need to make sure that you have the appropriate fishing license and respect the rules and regulations that come with it before you go fishing here.
The area is home to various wild animals including bears thus it is important that you keep bear spray handy. If wild animals are spotted, make sure to keep your distance to avoid startling them and triggering their defense instincts. Whether you are camping, fishing or partaking in the many activities available in the area, we have to always keep in mind that it is the responsibility of all of us visiting the area not leave it as we found it besides the footsteps. This ensures that animals are not attracted to food or trash and that those visiting after us can enjoy it as much.
Originally published at https://vocal.media.
